Applying for a research degree

All potential PhD or MPhil students must first complete an online application form, which will include details of their proposal.

PhDs and MPhils to PhD Pathways

These programmes have two intakes each year in October and February.

We are now accepting applications for October 2026, with a 30 June 2026 deadline.

You will need to upload a 3,000-4,000 word research proposal along with your application. Please see our (PDF).

Entry requirements

Apply now - PhDs

Apply now - MPHIL to PhDs

Professional Doctorates

These programmes have one intake each year, in October, with a deadline of 30 August 2026.

Our Professional Doctorates

PhDs by Published Works

A PhD by published works is a research degree awarded to individuals who have already produced a significant body of published work that meets the standards of a traditional PhD. It allows researchers with extensive publication records to gain formal recognition for their research contributions without undertaking a standard, multi-year doctoral programme.

Entry requirements

If your application is accepted

How to apply

Apply now

International students

St Mary’s has a vibrant community of international students.

Students may choose to reside overseas whilst undertaking a PhD with the majority of supervisory meetings taking place via Skype. All students are expected to undertake a prescribed number of visits to the UK every year for supervisions and to participate in training and seminars.

We currently have a successful Centre for the Social Scientific Study of the Bible with a cohort of research students supervised in the US by a US-based St Mary’s academic.

Do I need a Master’s Degree?

Subject combinations

Cross-disciplinary routes

Areas of research supervision

St Mary’s carefully matches student research interests to the academic knowledge and skills of its research supervisors.

All students are supervised by a minimum of two members of staff each bringing discrete expertise to the research project.

Business and management

Drama

Education

English literature and creative writing

Health and nutrition

History

Law

Media and communications

Politics

Psychology

Sociology

Sport psychology

Sport science

Theology

Tuition fees

Fees vary depending on mode of study, area of study and student status, (whether you are full-time or part-time, which subject you are studying and whether you are a UK, EU or International student).

For more information about Postgraduate fees please refer to the .

2026/27 fees

2025/26 fees

Doctoral degree loans

Get in touch

You should expect to receive a response from Admissions within 10 working days. For general enquiries please .